The beauty of the breastplate 2

10 June, 2017

'We have a great High Priest...Jesus the Son of God.' Hebrews 4:14 NLT

Notice two more things about the breastplate worn by Israel's high priest:

(1) It was close to his heart. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, he went into the 'Holiest of Holies' where God's presence was, in order to obtain forgiveness for the people's sins. And he wore different things, each signifying different truths. But of all the garments he donned, the breastplate was the closest to his heart. This speaks of how much God loves and values you, and his desire to be close to you. Today he's saying to you: 'I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax my hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]' (Hebrews 13:5 AMP). What a wonderful promise!

(2) The name of each tribe was not merely written on the breastplate, but engraved on it (see Exodus 39:14). When something is written, it can be erased or accidentally blotted out, but not when it's 'engraved.' There are two ways you can sin. First by deliberately choosing to, and second by stumbling through weakness. And God will chastise and correct you in order to get you back onto the right path, but he will never turn his back on you or throw you away. No, you're too precious to him. He remembers the price he paid for you and he says, 'I will not blot out [your] name from the Book of Life' (Revelation 3:5 NKJV). As long as you are trusting in Christ, you can be sure of God's love and acceptance.